Jazz Age Wednesdays 17 ― Pip & Artie Meet Again – Part 1

Happy New Year to you from Teagan’s Books and Jazz Age Wednesdays! Yesterday I was crowing when I saw Teri Polen’s review of Murder at the Bijou – Three Ingredients 1 (seeit here.) What a keen way to start the year!

With these Roaring Twenties posts, we’ll be putting on the Ritz as we ring in 2018. I have an extra special treat for you this week. An email exchange spontaneously turned into a short story — and guess who my coauthor is! The pos-i-lutely fabulous, Chris Graham, the Story Reading Ape!

In case you didn’t know, the Story Reading Ape is also a great storyteller. This short story furthers a encounter between Pip, and a character Chris created, Artie — one of the chimps from Chris’ imagination. Chris begins the tale from Artie’s point of view, and then I take over with Pip telling it. Now, let’s get a wriggle on and go back to the Jazz Age.

Pip and Artie Meet Again At New Year’s

Part 1

Artie was devastated, he’d worked sooo hard to get his time machine to finally go back beyond the time he’d invented it. (See the backstory here.)

Image courtesy of Chris Graham

He’d even met his heroine, Paisley Idelle Peabody, otherwise known as Pip. (See: Pip in the Corn Maze).

Unfortunately, because he’d been working on his machine for three days and nights without a break and only ended up in the corn maze where Pip was, by accidentally leaning against the start lever, his tiredness had overcome him and he’d fallen asleep in mid conversation!

Luckily however, he’d been woken by the preset Emergency Visit Duration Countdown alarm and had jumped back into the machine before it returned to his own time without him.

His only hope now, was that Pip had spotted, and picked up, the labradorite crystal pendant. Artie had intended to give it to her, but he must have dropped it while he was ponderating. In addition to the stone’s natural protective properties, it would act as a transponder, so he could find her again, otherwise, he’d end up back in the corn maze.

First things first though, he needed to sleep, then start on a lighter, more portable, version of his time machine, in case he had to travel overland from the maze to Granny Phanny‘s place.

Next time, he would be better prepared…

***

The Savannah folks who organized the corn maze at Halloween planned a New Year’s bonfire party at the same location. As usual, Granny Phanny found extra chores for me.

“Pip, there’s no use in sulking around just because you don’t have a young man to escort you to the New Year’s Eve party. I thought you were a modern woman,” Granny baited me. “You can still get all dolled up and have a good time.”

I sputtered an indignant protest, but words failed me. As if I was some cancelled stamp, a wallflower!

It wasn’t as if I had been in Savannah long enough to know many people. Alastair Wong would be working at his family’s restaurant. Detective Dabney Daniels barely knew I was alive. I guess there was Hank… but I had been avoiding Hank Hertz for two weeks, because I was pretty sure he was going to ask me. I couldn’t go with Hank, he was just a kid! Why, he was nearly two whole years younger than me.

“If it makes you feel any better there might not be a party at all,” Granny grumbled at me.

My grandmother sounded like she was fixing to get in a lather. I had not considered that she might be looking forward to the bonfire party. However, I got the impression that she was disappointed. I looked a question at her.

“Everybody who has rheumatism says bad weather is coming. And the arm I broke when I was a girl has been achy,” she complained. “And Miss Olive says there’s a big storm headed our way right on New Year’s Eve,” She continued despite my skeptical expression.

“Granny, isn’t that just a bunch of superstition?” I dared ask.

Granny Phanny’s eyebrows climbed toward her hairline. I knew I was on dangerous ground so I dried up then and there.

“Miss Olive is never wrong about the weather,” Granny told me in a dire tone. “So, we need to go over to where we had the corn maze and see about setting up some tents.”

A moment later we were in Granny’s Model-T, puttering down the dirt road. The live oak trees seemed more like evergreens than regular oak trees, but their leaves were kind of sparse. Granny Phanny murmured a word of thanks that somebody had filled in the big pothole we had to avoid last time.

Granny walked around muttering under her breath as she sought suitable spots for party tents. I thought keeping some distance from her would be a good idea, so I wandered around in the other direction. I recognized the spot where the corn maze used to be and went poking around.

Nervously I looked over my shoulder, remembering the strange thing that happened there. I never told a soul about it, but I wrote it all in a journal. Maybe one day I could tell my pal Andy about it. He went to Hollywood, California. His talent for writing imaginative stories finally paid off. Andy probably wouldn’t believe me either, but he’d like the story. (Here’s a little more about Andy from the Three Things Serial Story.)

You see, that night I met a talking chimp. I would never forget his words…

“Pip, I promise you I’m the real McCoy, as you would say. I’m Aristotle, but I hope you’ll call me Artie. I’ve traveled a long way through time and space to meet you,” the chimp had explained.

Lost in that strange memory, I idly stuck the toe of my burgundy and cream oxfords into a clump of leaves and debris. Something sparkled, pulling me out of my reverie. I bent to uncover it and picked up a crystal.

It was greenish gray with flashes of color. I didn’t know a lot about semiprecious gems, but I thought it was labradorite. The stone depended from from a long chain. I hung it around my neck and put it inside my dress.

End Part 1

***

Oh yes… to be continued. Here’s a sort of hint. It turns out Chris and I share an interest in gemstone lore. Labradorite is said to be a stone of magic, a crystal of shamans, diviners, healers, and all who travel and embrace the universe seeking knowledge and guidance.

Sorry! That’s as much of a hint as I’m giving. Tune in again next week for the conclusion.

It’s so darb that you visited today. Once again — Happy New Year!

Now, for that shameless self-promotion… Here are the links to the books about Pip and her friends.

This is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.

No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.

Working with Chris is great, Christy. We’ve collaborated a few times — this 3 part story, the mini series I did for Get Caught Reading Month (May) a couple of years ago, and a story he did for a challenge post before that called 3D. And of course he has been hosting me monthly at his blog for Thriving Thursdays for at least a year. Although I’m not sure how many more of those I’m able to do. I’m not exactly thriving right now with stress. Anyhow, thanks for visiting. You’re the cat’s pajamas!

Sorry to hear about the continued stress, Teagan. But your partnering with Chris, when you can, sounds like fun and I’m cheering you two on with projects. I look forward to reading the other 2 installments of this particular story. I’m behind in blog reads but your patience is appreciated, as always. On the plus side I ran 3K on the treadmill today!

Horsefeathers! That’s quite a run — treadmill or otherwise. I might have put that much scouring into Realtor.com though. LOL… how can I convert clicking and looking into miles? Okay… so that’s reaching.
There’s no such thing as late here. I’m happy you are catching up. And glad to see you whenever you have a moment. Hugs.

To be ‘crystal’ clear, dear Teagan, this time I’m late to the party and it’s not my fault, turns out, oops, they did it again, WordPress has stopped notifying me of most posts (again and again and again), sigh, this is not a good way to start a new year! But I’m glad I found it (thankfully Twitter is still more or less reliable) and so happy to snuggle up to this delight-filled posts from you and Chris. Thank you, it made my shivery day (early this morning driving through snow and slush and wind and bitter cold I could only imagine such a heart-warming treat). ❄️❄️❄️
Mega Happy New Year all the best each and every single day of 2018 hugs to all xoxo

Applesauce, Donna — no worries. WorePress has jerked me around with notifications so much that I gave up. I admit to myself that I can’t possibly keep up with everyone without the emails… and do the best I can. But i understand — because I still feel bad about it.
I’m pretty consistent with posting Wednesdays and Saturdays. I’m delighted to see you whenever you can manage to drop by.
I’m happy you enjoyed this episode. Today I managed to finish the writing of the third and concluding chapter. That felt good.
Stay safe and warm. You’re the cat’s meow. Hugs right back!

Omg, this is a gem! I love the Emergency Visit Duration Countdown alarm. And how did I know Pip would wear burgundy and cream oxfords? I’ll be ponderating this until next week 🙂 Great collaboration! Happy New Year, Teagan! ❤

Hi Tina! Happy New Year to you too. I’m so happy you enjoyed this. Working with Chris is such fun.
LOL re the shoes. The had fabulous slang back then and fierce fashion. 😀 I appreciate you taking time to visit. You’re the cat’s meow!

Hi Dan. There was a ton of fun slang in the 20s. So much better than what we have today.
Haha, yes the story about the story. It was fun. I appreciate you taking time to read and comment. You always have something useful for me. You’re the cat’s pajamas!

LOL, labradorite might become a fashion craze now, Jacquie. Better get one while you can. 😉
I’ve always called myself a rock geek because of my fascination with semi precious stones (and plain old rocks). So I was pleasantly surprised when Chris put the crystal in his part of the story. I’m happy you enjoyed this.
You’re the cat’s pajamas for taking time to comment. Hugs!

Hi Christine. It’s lovely to see you. I’m happy you enjoyed the kickoff of this mini series. Labradorite is an attractive semi-precious stone if you like gray tones. It’s iridescent, usually with streaks of darker gray or tan. Awhile back I bought some pretty earrings at QVC at a very good price. (I was going to show you a picture, but they don’t seem to offer them any more.)
Thanks for visiting. You’re the berries.

Ha! To be honest Diana I don’t know who is going where. That’s why this turned into a mini series. I do feel like the time travel is the purview of Chris and his character, so unless the Ape swings back with something…
Anyway, I appreciate you visiting and commenting. Happy New Year. You’re the cat’s meow!

I’ll get there, Robbie — thank you for the good wish.
Chris surprised me with the crystal part, and I thought it was a marvelous element. I’m happy you liked it too. I appreciate you taking time to visit. You’re the cat’s meow!

Labradorite does have a mysterious allure, doesn’t it, Jan? I’m happy you enjoyed this post.
Ha! I thought I was feeling better this morning, but I ran out of steam before 10AM. Thanks for visiting and making me smile. You’re the berries!

I was worried that Pip wouldn’t find the gemstone. Of course, that was silly. I loved some of the descriptions of Pip trying to stay on the right side of Granny. This one was a gem. “Granny Phanny’s eyebrows climbed toward her hairline. I knew I was on dangerous ground so I dried up then and there.” You and Chris make a super writing team.

John, I appreciate your feedback so very much. You’ve eased my sinus filled mind. 😉
Now and then I have a starkly clear image of Granny’s expressions. LOL.
It’s always a privilege and pleasure to work with Chris.
Looking forward to visiting you later today for Wednesday Story Day. You’re the cat’s pajamas!

I’m so glad to hear that, Jennie! I could see where I wanted the story to go, but (as often happens) there was a gap in the middle of my imagining. So it will take me a few episodes to find my way. I really appreciate the feedback. You’re the cat’s meow!

Haha! I’m glad you said that, Olga — because I was regretting that I wasn’t able to schedule this post last week. Chris gave the story a great kickoff, but it’s taking me a while to bring it to a close. I’m working on episode three, but not sure whether that will be the end. They say the devil is in the detail, but for me, the devil is in the middle of stories! 😀 Huge thanks for visiting. You’re the cat’s pajamas!

Happy and very creative new year my friend – and clearly it has begun on an extremely creative note. I love the idea of the collaboration with Chris and it is clear to see from reading this that both of your creative juices are flowing – and long may this be the case. 🙂 Sending hummingbird magic in your direction. Janet xxx

Crystal manages to keep me worried… but I think it is just her inflammatory bowel disease. With IBD, even a hairball is enough to make her not eat or feel bad. It looks like that’s all that’s been going on with her on & off the past few days. She’s looking after me by snuggling on the electric throw blanket.
Thanks again for letting me use your art in Thistledown. Everyone loves the hummingbirds, and it helped develop Bob’s character. More hugs, my friend.